March Insider 2025 by Bay Cove Human Services

Inside This Edition

C O N T E N T S

Video Message from New President & CEO

Featured Story: #BayCove50

Staff Corner: Birthday Bucks & New Hires!

Bay Cove Celebrates Women’s History Month

Office of Advocacy: A Word from Charles Hollins

Upcoming Bay Cove Events: Don’ t Miss These!

PSA: Public Wi-fi Safety

Since 1974, Bay Cove has been building communities one person at a time. As we celebrate 50 years of service, we honor our roots and the thousands of lives transformed through compassionate care. From our very first program, Andrew House Detox, to the 180 programs we operate today, our mission remains the same: Everyone has value. Everyone deserves dignity and respect.

To mark this milestone, we’re unveiling an updated 50th Anniversary logo, a symbol of our legacy and our commitment to the future. #BayCove50

Join us throughout the year as we reflect on our history, celebrate our present, and look ahead to the next 50 years of impact.

A video message from Kevin Martone, President & CEO

This month, we’re excited to welcome Kevin Martone as Bay Cove’s new President and CEO! Kevin has a special message for everyone:

More About Kevin...

Kevin joins us from the Technical Assistance Collaborative (TAC), a national nonprofit focused on enhancing behavioral health, homelessness, and affordable housing systems nationwide. Previously, he led New Jersey’s Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, overseeing a $1.5 billion budget, 7,500 employees, and five psychiatric hospitals—driving critical reforms that improved thousands of lives.

As we celebrate 50 years of service, we are confident that Kevin is the leader we need to navigate the unprecedented challenges we face today. He brings a visionary approach and deep commitment to the people we serve. Welcome, Kevin!

DidyouknowBayCoveiscelebrating50yearsofimpactthisyear?

Starting now, and in the coming weeks and months, we will be spreading awareness about this important moment in our history internally and externally, leading up to our annual Fall Gala! In addition, through the Rewards and Recognition Committee led by Lisa Morishanti and Fritz Gustav, staff will have the opportunity to participate in planning activities and events to mark our 50th year.

How can you help?

This is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the work we do and why we do it. We are providing resources (below), and folks are encouraged to get involved and celebrate this momentous occasion in ways they are comfortable. Please reach out to me or Reggie Onorati if you have any questions or need additional support. Thank you!

Resources:

New 50th Anniversary Logo

50th Anniversary Letterhead

50th Anniversary Google Sheets/Powerpoint

Social Media Toolkit to guide you as you post on socials

Historical photos if you'd like to use them

Media release for photos you might take at programs with other staff

Email signature for your Bay Cove Gmail account

The Advancement Team is here to help if you need assistance with anything!

Rashid Abuelmaali, Training Specialist - Training Department

Yaveline Aly, Residential Support

Chinelo Anagboso, Nurse - PACT

Tracey Briggs, Nurse (RN) - Per Diem - Diversionary Services

Darius Bryant, Employment Specialist

Princess Cohen, Engagement Partner I - ACCS

Cicely Freeman, MH Residential Relief Counselor

Karen Hyppolite, Administrative Coordinator

Zarwah Kanwal, Engagement Partner I - ACCS

Isata Kpaka, MH Residential Relief Counselor

Bonnie Macneill, IBGLE Engagement Partner I - ACCS

Benjamen Neba, Residential Counselor I

Junior Oriol, Assistant Program Manager - ACCS

Charlene Poliquin, Clinician - UCC - Per Diem

Sheila Smith, Shift LeaderHousing & Homeless Services

Charlene Tavares, Residential Counselor I

Wes Wislar, Director of Day Habilitation - Assistant

Natasha Anderson, Case Manager - Diversionary Services

Cochran Auguste, GLE Engagement Partner II - ACCS

Adonay Brhane, Shelter Stabilization Worker - Residential

Chrichna Dacelien, Residential Counselor I

Devin Donovan, Residential Counselor I

Sylvia Ekunwe Smallwood, Engagement Partner I - ACCS

Chinyere Eze, Residential Counselor I

Rabiyah Figueroa, DirectorHousing & Homeless Services

Jeshawn Grooms, Engagement Partner I - ACCS

Psumi Howard, Case ManagerCo-Occurring Enhanced Services

Javeline Joseph, Residential Counselor I

Benjamin Lanckton, MH Residential Relief Counselor

Farah Laplante, Residential Counselor I

Misty Morrison, Residential Counselor I

Latisha Moses, MH Residential Relief Counselor

Alimu Sako, Education & Employment Counselor

Stacy Shack, MH Residential Relief Counselor

Brian Soto Valladares, Engagement Partner I - ACCS

Zamya Watkins, MH Residential Relief Counselor

Sondia Amoako, Program Manager - DS Day Services

Richard Clinton, Engagement Partner I - ACCS

Thomas DeMilia, Recovery Specialist

Christine Dukes-Hardmon, Medical Appointment Specialist

Christopher Giles, Case ManagerHousing & Homeless Services

Matthew Grenier, Residential Counselor I

Anishia Griffith, Recovery Specialist

Adesuwa Iyayi, Recovery Specialist

Gina Jordan, Engagement Partner I - ACCS

Deja Knudsen, Clinical DirectorCo-Occurring Enhanced Services

Maryan Mohamud, Clinical Supervisor, LPHA - ACCS

Jordan Sisofo, Administrative Assistant - Adult Mobile Crisis Intervention - Boston

Steven Somers, Community Health Worker Care Coordinator

Ann Wilkinson, Program DirectorCo-Occurring Enhanced Services

Aanchal-Annalee Deprince, Recovery Specialist

Carolyn Glover, Recovery Specialist

Jeneecka Grant, Nurse (RN)Diversionary Services

Jennifer Ingle, Clinical Practice Educator

Ivenson Lopes, DS Residential Relief Counselor

Shuryl Angel Rickerson, Housing Coordinator - ACCS

Hannah Schultz, Case ManagerHousing & Homeless Services

Jermain Sparrock, Procurement Manager

Tamika Suggs, Administrative Coordinator - ACCS - Integrated Teams

Kieon Williams, Shelter Support Worker

March is Women's History Month! This month-long observance honors the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women throughout history. Women's History Month traces its origins to a week-long celebration in Santa Rosa, California, in 1978, which quickly gained national recognition. In 1987, Congress officially designated March as Women's History Month, ensuring that the vital role of women in shaping our society is recognized and celebrated.

The theme for Women’s History Month this year is “Moving Forward Together: Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” With women making up a majority of our workforce and leadership at Bay Cove, we are privileged to see firsthand the inspirational impact and dedication of women daily. Whether it's championing education like Ruth Baston, building community like Caroline Chang, or pioneering in the sciences like Ellen Swallow Richards, women have long been at the forefront of progress.

As we celebrate Women's History Month, let us reaffirm our commitment to advancing gender equity and creating opportunities for all women.

If you are looking for a ways to honor Women’s History Month, check out the International Women’s Day Market on March 30 from 12:00 PM through 5:00 PM at 401 Park Drive Building, Boston, MA 02215 (click here for more details) You can also check Eventbrite and Meetup for more events near you.

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Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Month

On March 7, 2025, at the 47th Annual Legislative Reception, Governor Healey proclaimed March 2025 as Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Month. *See the next page to view proclamation.

A brief history: On February 26, 1987, National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month was proclaimed It serves as a societal call to action to raise awareness and support individuals with disabilities in leading productive and fulfilling lives. This initiative emphasizes the essential work required to eliminate obstacles that hinder their potential, rooted in a broader movement towards equality and inclusiveness for people with disabilities.

Our workforce consists of professional and compassionate staff with the resources that make us an invaluable partner with those we serve who are working to reach their individual potential.

House Ways and Means Budget

The Joint Ways and Means Committee is currently holding budget hearings across the state to examine the Governor’s H1 budget version, released on January 22, 2025. The House Ways and Means budget version is scheduled for release during the week of April 14th, with House floor debates beginning the week of April 28th. The primary timing for state budget advocacy generally peaks during the House debates and continues throughout the budget cycle

The Governor’s budget version was generally favorable towards our sector Human Services Providers are encouraging House and Senate Legislators to support funding that strengthens services for people with disabilities. We attend regular legislative and public policy briefing meetings facilitated by our human services lobbying entity partners. I will keep you updated on any issues for action.

Join the Bay Cove Delegation at the Caring Force Rally

The May 8th, 13th Annual Caring Force Rally is fast approaching. Click here to RSVP to The Caring Force Rally at the State House and be sure to select Bay Cove Human Services as your Provider Agency. If you need T-shirts, please email me with the number of T-shirts and the sizes

You will be part of a substantial crowd of extraordinary individuals representing many cities and towns across the Commonwealth, who experience opportunities and challenges similar to ours as human service providers. Each attendee will receive an information packet containing budget and public policy priority fact sheets to share during an office visit to your district Representative and Senator The event will feature inspirational presenters, recognition, and powerful examples of why our work is so important. Enjoy the beverages provided and snacks and meet new people. Please reach out to me if you have any questions.